CAR parking charges are being introduced at Droitwich Railway Station from August 18, with prices starting at £1.12 per day for season ticket holders.
The charges will also be rolled out at eight other stations across the West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway networks.
Andy Camp, commercial director for West Midlands Railway, said: “We are making significant investment in our car parks and it’s only fair that the people who use them pay towards their upkeep.
“This already happens at the majority of stations.”
West Midlands Railway bosses say they have reduced the daily rate to £3 from the £4.50 initially proposed during the consultation period after listening to customer feedback.
With an annual ‘car park season ticket’ Droitwich residents will be charged £1.12 per day.
Mr Camp added: “These charges will reduce the impact of ‘rail heading’, where drivers travel many miles to avoid parking fees at their nearest station, squeezing out local residents.
“We are investing in more CCTV, better lighting and automatic number plate recognition across our car parks as well as adding 2,760 cycle spaces and station travel plans as part of our commitment to sustainable travel.”
West Midlands Railway promises to invest £1billion into the railway network to improve the service for customers, including new trains and improved stations.
But frustrated passengers voiced their concerns over its ‘failing service’ during a public consultation at Droitwich Spa Railway Station, on July 18.
Representatives from the company were on hand to speak to local people, who felt they had not seen any improvements since the operator’s takeover in December 2017.
Crowds gathered at Droitwich Railway Station at a recent meeting with West Midland Railway bosses.
Station car parks are publicly-owned assets and West Midlands Railway have a duty to the taxpayer and ticket-buyers to ensure a fair return on the railway estate.
Parking discounts will be available off-peak and at weekends.
Car parking season tickets are available weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually.
Drivers can purchase season tickets in advance, pay at machines on-site or download an app from www.sabaparking.co.uk/app
